Adolescent vaccination

Overview

Adolescent vaccination is important for our public health and protects young individuals during their transition from childhood to adulthood.

As kids grow up, they become more susceptible to infectious diseases. Vaccination is essential for keeping our community safe by preventing the spread of diseases.

Eligibility criteria for free vaccine

Infants, children, adolescents, adults and special risk groups are eligible to receive some vaccines for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The Victorian Government also funds the provision of some vaccines that are not included on the NIP.

Some groups of people can receive free routine and catch-up vaccines following a clinical assessment made by an immunisation provider based on the individual risk for the person.  You can check the eligibility criteria here:  Eligibility criteria for NIP vaccines

Year 7 (12-13 years)

Year 7 students are encouraged to receive both the Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (Whooping Couch) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. These vaccines are free of charge, even for those without a Medicare card.

Age

School year

Immunisation

12-13 years

Year 7

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Human Papillomavirus

 

About the vaccines

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

 

The HPV vaccine shields against 9 types of HPV responsible for:

• 90% of cervical cancer in women
• Over 95% of HPV-related cancers in men
• 90% of genital warts

Administering the HPV vaccine at a younger age offers the strongest prevention. The vaccine is safe and well-tolerated.

Learn more about HPV and immunisation on Victorian Government's Better Health Channel website.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine

The Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine can protect you against serious bacterial diseases. It's the most effective way to reduce the risk of:

• Severe inflammation of the nose, throat, and windpipe caused by Diphtheria
• Muscle spasms and breathing problems due to Tetanus
• Contagious respiratory infection with severe cough and vomiting from Pertussis (whooping cough)

The DTP vaccine acts as a booster, strengthening the protection received from vaccines given during infancy. It is safe and well-tolerated in adolescents.

Visit the Victorian Government's Better Health Channel website to learn more:

 

Year 10 (15-19 years)

The Meningococcal vaccine is available for Year 10 students and is free of charge, even for those without a Medicare card.

 

 Age

School year

 Immunisation

15-16 years

Year 10

Meningococcal ACWY
If your child is absent at the time of a school visit the vaccines are available at any of our public immunisation sessions.

15 to 19 years of age

 Meningococcal ACWY

About the vaccine

Meningococcal vaccine

The Meningococcal vaccine protects against serious illness caused by meningococcal bacteria. Illness will present as meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and/or septicaemia (blood poisoning).
 
The disease can spread through close, prolonged, or intimate contact between individuals. Adolescents are at higher risk of meningococcal disease and can also spread it to others.

This vaccine is a combination vaccine offering protection against meningococcal A, C, W, and Y strains. Only one dose is required.

Studies have shown that this vaccine can provide up to 97% immunity in adolescents.

Visit the Meningococcal disease page on the Victorian Government's Better Health Channel website to learn more. 

 

 

Unsure if you have had these vaccines?

The Australian Immunisation Register maintains vaccination records, that are submitted by immunisation providers. To verify your immunisation status, you have several options:

  1. Access myGov and log in.
  2. Log in to Medicare.
  3. Log in to Centrelink.
  4. Get in touch with the Australian Immunisation Register directly at 1800 653 809.

For more information

You can get in contact with the immunisation team by calling Council on 1300 368 333 or by email at mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Contact the 24 hour Maternal Child Heath Line on 13 22 29.

 

 

 

 

 

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